MaK Dual-Fuel Engine Ships Out

Cat engine to power AIDA cruise ship; designed for electric drive and mechanical propulsion systems

Posted on July 2, 2013

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems announced the shipment of the first MaK M 46 DF dual-fuel marine engine. The M 46 DF, Caterpillar’s first marine dual-fuel solution, will power a newbuild ordered by Germany’s AIDA cruises. Three 12 M 43 C marine engines will also power the cruise liner.

The engine left the MaK Rostock, Germany, facility en route to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (HMI) in Japan. Upon arrival, it will immediately be placed into the ship’s hull.

With a bore of 460 mm and stroke of 610, the engine was designed for electric drive propulsion systems as well as mechanical propulsion systems. The engine has been designed to allow retrofitting of current M 43 C engines. The company said that the M 46 DF will provide AIDA with superior performance and operational flexibility.

Able to alternate from gas to diesel mode during operation, the M 46 DF offers the operational flexibility to operate vessels reliably in all geographical areas without sacrificing power or reliability, Cat said. Although designed for unlimited operation on LNG, marine diesel oil (MDO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO), the company said the M 46 DF will reach industry-leading efficiency in gas mode.

Additionally, the M 46 DF will comply with IMO 3 as well as EPA Tier 4 regulations in gas mode.